Churchwide mission fund establishment underway

The General Church Board has authorised the establishment of a fund to support key mission culture and activities that might be utilised across the LCANZ, with initial funding of $400,000 per annum.

Development of the fund structure, procedures and processes will commence in 2024, with an anticipated launch date in early 2025. Mrs Jodi Brook, former Director of Grow Ministries, has been engaged to scope and undertake this work, working with relevant people across the church.

While the mission fund will be administered by the Churchwide Office, this will be a collaborative approach involving representatives of districts, congregations and agencies. The aim will be to enhance and equip mission culture across the entire LCANZ.

‘All across the LCANZ, congregations and agencies are engaging in all sorts of mission activities’, said Mr Brett Hausler, Executive Officer of the Church.

‘While this is, of course, heartening, it raises the questions: “How can we better support this wonderful work?” and “Is there a way of sharing the local mission spirit and experiences of our people and congregations with the wider church?”

The mission fund intends to promote collaboration with districts and others identifying the support and resources most needed by congregations and agencies.

‘We want to hear from people involved in all aspects of mission culture and activities across the church, so we can identify where the funds can best serve the church’, Mr Hausler said.

‘While the terms of reference are yet to be scoped, we are anticipating that funds will be directed to endeavours that build mission culture and equip people for mission across the wider church, rather than for local, specific projects.’

A new Churchwide role will be created to support the mission fund.